Vacha Workshop | 24-26th July 2023
Report – Vacha Workshop 24-26 July 2023
The Fy b.ed students of Gandhi Shikshan Bhavan’s Smt Surajba College of Education were taken to vacha camp for 3 days along with the teachers Yogita Manndole and Priti Chandorkar. Vacha addresses issues of girls through educational programmes, resource creation, research, training, campaigns and networking. Vacha believes that empowered girls and sensitized boys have a better chance of developing into adults who value equality and become productive citizens.
The first session focused on gender and its perception in society, addressing stereotypes and biases. The sessions were two-way conversations, allowing classmates to express their views without shyness. Group activities provided insight into gender objectification and role allocation, clearing misconceptions and promoting gender equality and equity in schools and society. The second session focused on Patriarchy, revealing its prevalence in all walks of life and being experienced by both uneducated and educated individuals. Through group activities, participants gained a deeper understanding of the concept. In the final session, we watched “Chingari ki Khoj” and learned to support victims of abuse without judgment. Instead of anger or annoyance, we should be there for them, providing strength and encouragement. Additionally, we were given a group activity to role-play on the following day.
On Day 2, a recap of news on gender and patriarchy was held, followed by four groups discussing gender biases in school, patriarchy, gender discrimination at home, mental health, and the continued presence of gender stereotypes in schools. MAWA volunteer Pravin’s sessions on Power and Intersectionality explored the concept of power, including money and other aspects. The “Power Walk” activity highlighted the importance of reservations and the impact of lack of power on everything. The session focused on understanding the POCSO Act, conducted by Asha of Arpan ngo. It covered sexual offenses, identifying them, grooming, and supporting victims. Future teachers should better understand these acts to better support children. The movie “Gaon Nahi Kini Panch Ki” explores patriarchal men’s use of women’s reservation, the caste system, and male control in panchayats. Women are sarpanch but lack decision-making power. A power talk activity was held, and a group was assigned to rewrite a song on a topic.
On day 3 with a quick recap songs were performed on various topics by the four groups. After that a once again group was made and a case study was given and we were supposed to analyze it. The case studies were real and Vacha had helped many women like in the case study. Through these activities we understood that women face different issues and if we come across such situations we should help and be their support system rather than ignoring it. After that session we had a quiz activity where questions were asked regarding women’s achievements. After that feedback form was given and certificates were distributed.
I really want to thank my College and Vacha Camp for organizing such an amazing camp and workshop for us where we gain so much understanding regarding the issue which needs to be removed from society and which can only happen if we teachers can educate our children better. I am also grateful for vacha and many other NGO like them for helping out the women in distress without asking for anything. I hope I can be a volunteer for an NGO and help out in any way possible.
Thank you
